Catalysing change: COP30 and the era of delivery

A series of special thought pieces published by APRI for COP30 in Belém, Brazil. The APRI series is edited by Isabella Roberts and Dr. Serwah Prempeh, exploring key themes of climate finance, governance, and inclusion shaping Africa’s voice in global climate action.

By APRI
Published on Nov 17, 2025

Foreword

As the world turns its gaze to Belém, Brazil, for the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30), the moment marks both urgency and opportunity for global climate action. Held in the heart of the Amazon, COP30 aims to transform negotiations into a catalyst for inclusion, innovation, and delivery in the wake of the first Global Stocktake.

Guided by six Action Agenda Axes Energy, Industry & Transport; Forests, Oceans & Biodiversity; Agriculture & Food Systems; Cities, Infrastructure & Water; Human and Social Development; and Cross-Cutting Issues the conference underscores the links between human progress and planetary health. Through its thematic days, COP30 will spotlight practical pathways for resilience, equity, and shared prosperity.

At APRI, we align with this vision. Our COP30 Thought Series explores how Africa can drive equitable climate solutions through finance, governance, technology, and inclusion. By emphasizing implementation and partnership, APRI seeks to amplify African perspectives ensuring that priorities in energy, food security, biodiversity, and human development remain central to global climate discourse.

10 years after Paris: can climate COPs deliver for Africa?

A decade after Paris, Africa still bears the brunt of climate impacts while COPs deliver promises more than results. Turning negotiation into action demands leadership, strategy and bold coordination.

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Pragmatic pathways for aligning climate and trade regimes with African green technology ambition

By Olivia Rumble | Nov 19, 2025

As trade rules tighten and green demand grows, Africa stands at a crossroads – will global shifts fuel its green rise or limit its industrial future?

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Beyond the export reflex: building sovereign carbon markets for an NDC-first future

By Ebipere K. Clark | Nov 21, 2025

Africa risks repeating past mistakes in carbon markets. Will it remain a low-cost credit supplier or claim sovereign control to shape its own climate and economic future?

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Beyond JET-P: building country platforms that work for Africa’s climate and development goals

By Richard Calland | Nov 21, 2025

Can Africa turn ‘country platforms’ from donor-led projects into powerful vehicles for self-driven transformation? This piece explores how leadership, design and ownership will shape their impact.

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Expert interview with Kulthoum Omari-Motsumi on climate adaptation at COP30

By Serwah Prempeh & Isabella Roberts | Nov 21, 2025

Africa's climate adaptation crisis demands urgent action at COP30. Kulthoum Omari-Motsumi reveals critical needs: planning, funding and direct access.

Read full here.